So many read self-help books and try to devise a plan
A be-all, end-all procedure to follow rather than
Treating every situation as if it’s unique
They’d rather go on auto-pilot than have to critique

Experience is valuable, but it cannot foresee
How EVERY situation going forward’s going to be
If there is one plain, simple rule on how to deal with all
It’s “Be appropriate,” sometimes you’ll laugh, sometimes you’ll brawl

There’s no way to predict a situation so you must
Discern what is appropriate, your gut’s what you should trust
Be peaceful with those who are peaceful and lower your voice
Be confident with schemers and be adamant in choice

Skip words like “I” and “me” with empaths, walk miles in their shoes
Show no mercy with narcissists and fight those who abuse
Praise the ones who give much praise, support the ones who care
And those who bully; push them back, go nose-to-nose and dare

So many carry so much guilt because their parents taught
“You should be nice to everyone” but that’s a naive thought
Monsters do exist and hoping for the best won’t work
It’s in presence of selflessness where these demons all lurk

They prey upon the ones who do not judge and tear them down
They satisfy their desires and leave the host to drown
And all these victims fall because they were taught to be nice
And just smile when someone puts their neck into a vice

May I suggest a different plan instead of “being kind”
Be apt, alert, befitting, be appropriate, not blind
Do what most find unpleasant and use your empathy
To look deep into people’s souls and accept what you see

Those who live for truth and love; cherish with high regard
Those who live for lies and hate, put fists up, be on guard
Life’s not just sunshine and rainbows, sometimes there is rain
Umbrellas work much better than hoping drops will abstain

One Response to “Be Appropriate”

Ohh , my goodness, I LOVED this. It’s so powerful and it reassured me of what I already know deep inside. Thank you so much, I hope you continue to write because i would Love to read more of your writing